英文药名：Jakavi（ruxolitinib Tablets） 中文药名：磷酸鲁索替尼 生产厂家：诺华公司 药品介绍 欧盟委员会批准诺华公司的Jakavi（ruxolitinib）用于治疗慢性特发性骨髓纤维化（MF），后真性红细胞增多性骨髓纤维化（PPV-MF）或特发性血小板增多性骨髓纤维化（PET-MF）。诺华公司计划尽快在欧盟上市本品，产品价格将与政府机构、第三方支付者协商决定，可能在不同国家会有所差异。本品在欧盟被指定为PPV-MF/PET-MF的罕见病用药，在美国被指定为MF的罕见病用药。而且本品曾于2011年11月以商品名Jakafi获批上市。今年7月，加拿大卫生部批准ruxolitinib（商品名Jakavi）用于治疗成人骨髓纤维化所致的脾肿大及其相关症状。 适应证和用途 Jakafi是一种激酶抑制剂适用于治疗中间或高危骨髓纤维化, 包括原发性骨髓纤维化，真性红细胞增多症后骨髓纤维化和原发性血小板增多症后骨髓纤维化患者. 剂量和给药方法 （1）对血小板计数大于200/μL患者，Jakafi的开始剂量是20mg口服每天2次给药，而对血小板计数100/μL和200/μL间患者15mg每天2次。 （2）起始用Jakafi治疗前进行完全血细胞计数。监视完全血细胞计数s每2至4周直至剂量稳定化，,和然后当临床指示。对血小板计数减低调整剂量。 （3）根据反应增加剂量和因推荐至最大每天2次25mg。如脾脏无减小或症状无改善6个月后终止。 剂型和规格 片：5mg，10mg，15mg，20mg和25mg。 禁忌证 无。 警告和注意事项 （1）可能发生血小板计数减低，贫血和中性粒细胞减少。用减低剂量,或中断或输血处理。 （2）评估患者感染的体征和症状和及时开始适当治疗。开始用Jakafi治疗前严重感染应已解决。 不良反应 最常见血液学不良反应(发生率 > 20%)是血小板计数减低和贫血。最常见非血液学不良反应(发生率 >10%) 是瘀斑, 眩晕和头痛。 药物相互作用 （1）强CYP3A4抑制剂：对血小板计数大于或等于100/μL患者减低Jakafi开始剂量至10mg每天2次和同时强CYP3A4抑制剂。血小板计数小于100/μL患者中避免使用。 特殊人群中使用 （1）肾受损：对中度(CrCl 30-5mL/min)或严重肾受损(CrCl 15-29 mL/min)和血小板计数间100/μL和150 X 109/L患者Jakafi开始剂量减低至10 mg每天2次。终末肾病(CrCl 小于15 mL/min)不需要透析患者中和有中度或严重肾受损和血小板计数小于100/μL患者避免使用。 （2）肝受损：对任何程度肝受损和血小板计数100/μL和150/μL间患者Jakafi开始剂量减低至10 mg每天2次。肝受损与血小板计数小于100/μL患者避免使用。 （3）哺乳母亲: 终止哺乳或终止药物考虑药物对母亲的重要性。 包装规格[德国上市包装] 5mg*56片 10mg*56片 20mg*56片 Jakavi 5mg, 10mg, 15mg and 20mg Tablets 1. Name of the medicinal product Jakavi® 5 mg tablets Jakavi® 10 mg tablets Jakavi® 15 mg tablets Jakavi® 20 mg tablets 2. Qualitative and quantitative composition Jakavi 5 mg tablets: Each tablet contains 5 mg ruxolitinib (as phosphate). Jakavi 10 mg tablets: Each tablet contains 10 mg ruxolitinib (as phosphate). Jakavi 15 mg tablets: Each tablet contains 15 mg ruxolitinib (as phosphate). Jakavi 20 mg tablets : Each tablet contains 20 mg ruxolitinib (as phosphate). Excipient with known effect: Jakavi 5 mg tablets: Each tablet contains 71.45 mg lactose monohydrate. Jakavi 10 mg tablets: Each tablet contains 142.90 mg lactose monohydrate. Jakavi 15 mg tablets: Each tablet contains 214.35 mg lactose monohydrate. Jakavi 20 mg tablets : Each tablet contains 285.80 mg lactose monohydrate. For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 3. Pharmaceutical form Tablet. Jakavi 5 mg tablets: Round curved white to almost white tablets of approximately 7.5 mm in diameter with “NVR” debossed on one side and “L5” debossed on the other side. Jakavi 10 mg tablets: Round curved white to almost white tablets of approximately 9.3 mm in diameter with “NVR” debossed on one side and “L10” debossed on the other side. Jakavi 15 mg tablets : Ovaloid curved white to almost white tablets of approximately 15.0 x 7.0 mm with “NVR” debossed on one side and “L15” debossed on the other side. Jakavi 20 mg tablets : Elongated curved white to almost white tablets of approximately 16.5 x 7.4 mm with “NVR” debossed one one side and “L20” debossed on the other side. 4. Clinical particulars 4.1 Therapeutic indications Myelofibrosis (MF) Jakavi is indicated for the treatment of disease-related splenomegaly or symptoms in adult patients with primary myelofibrosis (also known as chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis), post polycythaemia vera myelofibrosis or post essential thrombocythaemia myelofibrosis. Polycythaemia vera (PV) Jakavi is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with polycythaemia vera who are resistant to or intolerant of hydroxyurea. 4.2 Posology and method of administration Jakavi treatment should only be initiated by a physician experienced in the administration of anti-cancer agents. A complete blood cell count, including a white blood cell count differential, must be performed before initiating therapy with Jakavi. Complete blood count, including a white blood cell count differential, should be monitored every 2-4 weeks until Jakavi doses are stabilised, and then as clinically indicated (see section 4.4). Posology Starting dose The recommended starting dose of Jakavi in myelofibrosis is 15 mg twice daily for patients with a platelet count between 100,000/mm3 and 200,000/mm3 and 20 mg twice daily for patients with a platelet count of >200,000/mm3. The recommended starting dose of Jakavi in polycythaemia vera is 10 mg given orally twice daily. There is limited information to recommend a starting dose for patients with platelet counts between 50,000/mm3 and <100,000/mm3. The maximum recommended starting dose in these patients is 5 mg twice daily and the patients should be titrated cautiously. Dose modifications Doses may be titrated based on safety and efficacy. Treatment should be discontinued for platelet counts less than 50,000/mm3 or absolute neutrophil counts less than 500/mm3. In PV, treatment should also be interrupted when haemoglobin is below 8 g/dl. After recovery of blood counts above these levels, dosing may be re-started at 5 mg twice daily and gradually increased based on careful monitoring of complete blood cell count, including a white blood cell count differential. Dose reductions should be considered if the platelet count decreases below 100,000/mm3, with the goal of avoiding dose interruptions for thrombocytopenia. In PV, dose reductions should also be considered if haemoglobin decreases below 12 g/dl and is recommended if it decreases below 10 g/dl. If efficacy is considered insufficient and blood counts are adequate, doses may be increased by a maximum of 5 mg twice daily, up to the maximum dose of 25 mg twice daily. The starting dose should not be increased within the first four weeks of treatment and thereafter no more frequently than at 2-week intervals. The maximum dose of Jakavi is 25 mg twice daily. Dose adjustment with concomitant strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or fluconazole When Jakavi is administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or dual inhibitors of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 enzymes (e.g. fluconazole) the unit dose of Jakavi should be reduced by approximately 50%, to be administered twice daily (see section 4.5). More frequent monitoring (e.g. twice a week) of haematology parameters and of clinical signs and symptoms of Jakavi-related adverse drug reactions is recommended while on strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or dual inhibitors of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 enzymes. Special populations Renal impairment No specific dose adjustment is needed in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment. In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min) the recommended starting dose based on platelet count for MF patients should be reduced by approximately 50% to be administered twice daily. The recommended starting dose for PV patients with severe renal impairment is 5 mg twice daily. Patients should be carefully monitored with regard to safety and efficacy during Jakavi treatment. There are limited data to determine the best dosing options for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on haemodialysis. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic simulations based on available data in this population suggest that the starting dose for MF patients with ESRD on haemodialysis is a single dose of 15-20 mg or two doses of 10 mg given 12 hours apart, to be administered post-dialysis and only on the day of haemodialysis. A single dose of 15 mg is recommended for MF patients with platelet count between 100,000/mm3 and 200,000/mm3. A single dose of 20 mg or two doses of 10 mg given 12 hours apart is recommended for MF patients with platelet count of >200,000/mm3. Subsequent doses (single administration or two doses of 10 mg given 12 hours apart) should be administered only on haemodialysis days following each dialysis session. The recommended starting dose for PV patients with ESRD on haemodialysis is a single dose of 10 mg or two doses of 5 mg given 12 hours apart, to be administered post-dialysis and only on the day of haemodialysis. These dose recommendations are based on simulations and any dose modification in ESRD should be followed by careful monitoring of safety and efficacy in individual patients. No data is available for dosing patients who are undergoing peritoneal dialysis or continuous venovenous haemofiltration (see section 5.2). Hepatic impairment In patients with any hepatic impairment the recommended starting dose based on platelet count should be reduced by approximately 50% to be administered twice daily. Subsequent doses should be adjusted based on careful monitoring of safety and efficacy. Patients diagnosed with hepatic impairment while receiving Jakavi should have complete blood counts, including a white blood cell count differential, monitored at least every one to two weeks for the first 6 weeks after initiation of therapy with Jakavi and as clinically indicated thereafter once their liver function and blood counts have been stabilised. Jakavi dose can be titrated to reduce the risk of cytopenia. Older people (≥65 years) No additional dose adjustments are recommended for older people. Paediatric population The safety and efficacy of Jakavi in children aged up to 18 years have not been established. No data are available (see section 5.1). Treatment discontinuation Treatment may be continued as long as the benefit-risk remains positive. However the treatment should be discontinued after 6 months if there has been no reduction in spleen size or improvement in symptoms since initiation of therapy. It is recommended that, for patients who have demonstrated some degree of clinical improvement, ruxolitinib therapy be discontinued if they sustain an increase in their spleen length of 40% compared with baseline size (roughly equivalent to a 25% increase in spleen volume) and no longer have tangible improvement in disease-related symptoms. Method of administration Jakavi is to be taken orally, with or without food. If a dose is missed, the patient should not take an additional dose, but should take the next usual prescribed dose. 4.3 Contraindications Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. Pregnancy and lactation. 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use Myelosuppression Treatment with Jakavi can cause haematological adverse drug reactions, including thrombocytopenia, anaemia and neutropenia. A complete blood count, including a white blood cell count differential, must be performed before initiating therapy with Jakavi. Treatment should be discontinued in patients with platelet count less than 50,000/mm3 or absoute neutrophil count less than 500/mm3 (see section 4.2). It has been observed that patients with low platelet counts (<200,000/mm3) at the start of therapy are more likely to develop thrombocytopenia during treatment. Thrombocytopenia is generally reversible and is usually managed by reducing the dose or temporarily withholding Jakavi (see sections 4.2 and 4.8). However, platelet transfusions may be required as clinically indicated. Patients developing anaemia may require blood transfusions. Dose modifications or interruption for patients developing anaemia may also be considered. Patients with a haemoglobin level below 10.0 g/dl at the beginning of the treatment have a higher risk of developing a haemoglobin level below 8.0 g/dl during treatment compared to patients with a higher baseline haemoglobin level (79.3% versus 30.1%). More frequent monitoring of haematology parameters and of clinical signs and symptoms of Jakavi-related adverse drug reactions is recommended for patients with baseline haemoglobin below 10.0 g/dl. Neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count <500) was generally reversible and was managed by temporarily withholding Jakavi (see sections 4.2 and 4.8). Complete blood counts should be monitored as clinically indicated and dose adjusted as required (see sections 4.2 and 4.8). Infections Patients should be assessed for the risk of developing serious bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal and viral infections. Tuberculosis has been reported in patients receiving Jakavi for MF. Before starting treatment, patients should be evaluated for active and inactive (“latent”) tuberculosis, as per local recommendations. This can include medical history, possible previous contact with tuberculosis, and/or appropriate screening such as lung x-ray, tuberculin test and/or interferon-gamma release assay, as applicable. Prescribers are reminded of the risk of false negative tuberculin skin test results, especially in patients who are severely ill or immunocompromised. Jakavi therapy should not be started until active serious infections have resolved. Physicians should carefully observe patients receiving Jakavi for signs and symptoms of infections and initiate appropriate treatment promptly (see section 4.8). Hepatitis B viral load (HBV-DNA titre) increases, with and without associated elevations in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, have been reported in patients with chronic HBV infections taking Jakavi. The effect of Jakavi on viral replication in patients with chronic HBV infection is unknown. Patients with chronic HBV infection should be treated and monitored according to clinical guidelines. Herpes zoster Physicians should educate patients about early signs and symptoms of herpes zoster, advising that treatment should be sought as early as possible. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has been reported with Jakavi treatment for MF. Physicians should be particularly alert to symptoms suggestive of PML that patients may not notice (e.g., cognitive, neurological or psychiatric symptoms or signs). Patients should be monitored for any of these new or worsening symptoms or signs, and if such symptoms/signs occur, referral to a neurologist and appropriate diagnostic measures for PML should be considered. If PML is suspected, further dosing must be suspended until PML has been excluded. Non-melanoma skin cancer Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) have been reported in patients treated with ruxolitinib. Most of these patients had histories of extended treatment with hydroxyurea and prior NMSC or pre-malignant skin lesions. A causal relationship to ruxolitinib has not been established. Periodic skin examination is recommended for patients who are at increased risk for skin cancer. Special populations Renal impairment The starting dose of Jakavi should be reduced in patients with severe renal impairment. For patients with end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis the starting dose for MF patients should be based on platelet counts (see section 4.2). Subsequent doses (single dose of 20 mg or two doses of 10 mg given 12 hours apart in MF patients; single dose of 10 mg or two doses of 5 mg given 12 hours apart in PV patients) should be administered only on haemodialysis days following each dialysis session. Additional dose modifications should be made with careful monitoring of safety and efficacy (see sections 4.2 and 5.2). Hepatic impairment The starting dose of Jakavi should be reduced by approximately 50% in patients with hepatic impairment. Further dose modifications should be based on the safety and efficacy of the medicinal product (see sections 4.2 and 5.2). Interactions If Jakavi is to be co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or dual inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 enzymes (e.g. fluconazole), the unit dose of Jakavi should be reduced by approximately 50%, to be administered twice daily (for monitoring frequency see sections 4.2 and 4.5). The concomitant use of cytoreductive therapies or haematopoietic growth factors with Jakavi has not been studied. The safety and efficacy of these co-administrations are not known (see section 4.5). Withdrawal effects Following interruption or discontinuation of Jakavi, symptoms of MF may return over a period of approximately one week. There have been cases of patients discontinuing Jakavi who sustained more severe events, particularly in the presence of acute intercurrent illness. It has not been established whether abrupt discontinuation of Jakavi contributed to these events. Unless abrupt discontinuation is required, gradual tapering of the dose of Jakavi may be considered, although the utility of the tapering is unproven. Excipients Jakavi contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product. 4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction Interaction studies have only been performed in adults. Ruxolitinib is eliminated through metabolism catalysed by CYP3A4 and CYP2C9. Thus, medicinal products inhibiting these enzymes can give rise to increased ruxolitinib exposure. Interactions resulting in dose reduction of ruxolitinib CYP3A4 inhibitors Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as, but not limited to, boceprevir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, ritonavir, mibefradil, nefazodone, nelfinavir, posaconazole, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, voriconazole) In healthy subjects co-administration of Jakavi (10 mg single dose) with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole, resulted in ruxolitinib Cmax and AUC that were higher by 33% and 91%, respectively, than with ruxolitinib alone. The half-life was prolonged from 3.7 to 6.0 hours with concurrent ketoconazole administration. When administering Jakavi with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors the unit dose of Jakavi should be reduced by approximately 50%, to be administered twice daily. Patients should be closely monitored (e.g. twice weekly) for cytopenias and dose titrated based on safety and efficacy (see section 4.2). Dual CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 inhibitors On the basis of in silico modelling 50% dose reduction should be considered when using medicinal products which are dual inhibitors of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 enzymes (e.g. fluconazole). Enzyme inducers CYP3A4 inducers (such as, but not limited to, avasimibe, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifampin (rifampicin), St.John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)) Patients should be closely monitored and the dose titrated based on safety and efficacy (see section 4.2). In healthy subjects given ruxolitinib (50 mg single dose) following the potent CYP3A4 inducer rifampicin (600 mg daily dose for 10 days), ruxolitinib AUC was 70% lower than after administration of Jakavi alone. The exposure of ruxolitinib active metabolites was unchanged. Overall, the ruxolitinib pharmacodynamic activity was similar, suggesting the CYP3A4 induction resulted in minimal effect on the pharmacodynamics. However, this could be related to the high ruxolitinib dose resulting in pharmacodynamic effects near Emax. It is possible that in the individual patient, an increase of the ruxolitinib dose is needed when initiating treatment with a strong enzyme inducer. Other interactions to be considered affecting ruxolitinib Mild or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as, but not limited to, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, amprenavir, atazanavir, diltiazem, cimetidine) In healthy subjects co-administration of ruxolitinib (10 mg single dose) with erythromycin 500 mg twice daily for four days resulted in ruxolitinib Cmax and AUC that were higher by 8% and 27%, respectively, than with ruxolitinib alone. No dose adjustment is recommended when ruxolitinib is co-administered with mild or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. erythromycin). However, patients should be closely monitored for cytopenias when initiating therapy with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. Effects of ruxolitinib on other medicinal products Substances transported by P-glycoprotein or other transporters Ruxolitinib may inhibit P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) in the intestine. This may result in increased sytemic exposure of substrates of these transporters, such as dabigatran etexilate, ciclosporin, rosuvastatin and potentially digoxin. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) or clinical monitoring of the affected substance is advised. It is possible that the potential inhibition of P-gp and BCRP in the intestine can be minimised if the time between administrations is kept apart as long as possible. Haematopoietic growth factors The concurrent use of haematopoietic growth factors and Jakavi has not been studied. It is not known whether the Janus Associated Kinase (JAK) inhibition by Jakavi reduces the efficacy of the haematopoietic growth factors or whether the haematopoietic growth factors affect the efficacy of Jakavi (see section 4.4). Cytoreductive therapies The concomitant use of cytoreductive therapies and Jakavi has not been studied. The safety and efficacy of this co-administration is not known (see section 4.4). A study in healthy subjects indicated that ruxolitinib did not inhibit the metabolism of the oral CYP3A4 substrate midazolam. Therefore, no increase in exposure of CYP3A4 substrates is anticipated when combining them with Jakavi. Another study in healthy subjects indicated that Jakavi does not affect the pharmacokinetics of an oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. Therefore, it is not anticipated that the contraceptive efficacy of this combination will be compromised by co-administration of ruxolitinib. 4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation Pregnancy and contraception in females There are no data from the use of Jakavi in pregnant women. Animal studies have shown that ruxolitinib is embryotoxic and foetotoxic. Teratogenicity was not observed in rats or rabbits. However, the exposure margins compared to the highest clinical dose were low and the results are therefore of limited relevance for humans (see section 5.3). The potential risk for humans is unknown. As a precautionary measure, the use of Jakavi during pregnancy is contraindicated (see section 4.3). Women of child-bearing potential should use effective contraception during the treatment with Jakavi. In case pregnancy should occur during treatment with Jakavi, a risk/benefit evaluation must be carried out on an individual basis with careful counselling regarding potential risks to the foetus (see section 5.3). Breast-feeding Jakavi must not be used during breast-feeding (see section 4.3) and breast-feeding should therefore be discontinued when treatment is started. It is unknown whether ruxolitinib and/or its metabolites are excreted in human milk. A risk to the breast-fed child cannot be excluded. Available pharmacodynamic/toxicological data in animals have shown excretion of ruxolitinib and its metabolites in milk (see section 5.3). Fertility There are no human data on the effect of ruxolitinib on fertility. In animal studies, no effect on fertility was observed. 4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines Jakavi has no or negligible sedating effect. However, patients who experience dizziness after the intake of Jakavi should refrain from driving or using machines. 4.8 Undesirable effects Summary of the safety profile The safety assessment was based on a total of 855 patients (with MF or PV) receiving Jakavi in phase 2 and 3 studies. Myelofibrosis In the randomised period of the two pivotal studies, COMFORT-I and COMFORT-II, the median duration of exposure to Jakavi was 10.8 months (range 0.3 to 23.5 months). The majority of patients (68.4%) were treated for at least 9 months. Of 301 patients, 111 (36.9%) had a baseline platelet count of between 100,000/mm3 and 200,000/mm3 and 190 (63.1%) had a baseline platelet count of >200,000/mm3. In these clinical studies, discontinuation due to adverse events, regardless of causality, was observed in 11.3% of patients. The most frequently reported adverse drug reactions were thrombocytopenia and anaemia. Haematological adverse drug reactions (any Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [CTCAE] grade) included anaemia (82.4%), thrombocytopenia (69.8%) and neutropenia (16.6%). Anaemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia are dose-related effects. The three most frequent non-haematological adverse drug reactions were bruising (21.3%), dizziness (15.3%) and headache (14.0%). The three most frequent non-haematological laboratory abnormalities were raised alanine aminotransferase (27.2%), raised aspartate aminotransferase (19.9%) and hypercholesterolaemia (16.9%). In phase 3 clinical studies in MF, neither CTCAE grade 3 or 4 hypercholesterolaemia, raised aspartate aminotransferase nor CTCAE grade 4 raised alanine aminotransferase were observed. Long-term safety: As expected with an extended follow-up period, the cumulative frequency of some adverse events increased in the evaluation of the 3-year follow-up safety data (median duration of exposure of 33.2 months in COMFORT-I and COMFORT-II for patients initially randomised to ruxolitinib) from 457 patients with myelofibrosis treated with ruxolitinib during the randomised and extension periods of the two pivotal phase 3 studies. This evaluation included data from patients that were initially randomised to ruxolitinib (N=301) and patients that received ruxolitinib after crossing over from control treatment arms (N=156). With these updated data, therapy discontinuation due to adverse events was observed in 17.1% of patients treated with ruxolitinib. Polycythaemia vera The safety of Jakavi was assessed in 110 patients with PV in an open-label, randomised, controlled phase 3 RESPONSE study. The adverse drug reactions listed below reflect the initial study period (up to week 32) with equivalent exposure to ruxolitinib and Best Available Therapy (BAT), corresponding to a median duration of exposure to Jakavi of 7.8 months. The mean age of patients receiving Jakavi was around 60 years. Discontinuation due to adverse events, regardless of causality, was observed in 3.6% of patients treated with Jakavi and 1.8% of patients treated with best available therapy. Haematological adverse reactions (any CTCAE grade) included anaemia (43.6%) and thrombocytopenia (24.5%). Anaemia or thrombocytopenia CTCAE grade 3 and 4 were reported in respectively 1.8% or 5.5%. The three most frequent non-haematological adverse reactions were dizziness (15.5%), constipation (8.2%) and herpes zoster (6.4%). The three most frequent non-haematological laboratory abnormalities (any CTCAE grade) were hypercholesterolaemia (30.0%), raised alanine aminotransferase (22.7%) and raised aspartate aminotransferase (20.9%). These were all CTCAE grade 1 and 2 with the exception of one CTCAE grade 3 raised alanine aminotransferase event. Long-term safety: Patients had a median duration of exposure to Jakavi of 18.6 months (range 0.3 to 35.9 months). With longer exposure, frequency of adverse events increased; however no new safety findings emerged. When adjusted for exposure, the adverse event rates were generally comparable with those observed during the initial study period. Tabulated summary of adverse drug reactions from clinical studies In the clinical study programme the severity of adverse drug reactions was assessed based on the CTCAE, defining grade 1 = mild, grade 2 = moderate, grade 3 = severe and grade 4=life-threatening. Adverse drug reactions from clinical studies (Table 1) are listed by MedDRA system organ class. Within each system organ class, the adverse drug reactions are ranked by frequency, with the most frequent reactions first. In addition, the corresponding frequency category for each adverse drug reaction is based on the following convention: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000). Table 1 Frequency category of adverse drug reactions reported in the phase 3 studies (COMFORT-I, COMFORT-II, RESPONSE) Adverse drug reaction Frequency category for MF patients Frequency category for PV patients Infections and infestations     Urinary tract infectionsa,d Very common Common Herpes zostera,d Common Common Tuberculosise Uncommon - Blood and lymphatic system disordersb,d     Anaemiab - - CTCAEc grade 4 (<6.5g/dl) Very common Uncommon CTCAEc grade 3 (<8.0 – 6.5g/dl) Very common Uncommon Any CTCAEc grade Very common Very common Thrombocytopeniab     CTCAEc grade 4 (<25,000/mm3) Common Uncommon CTCAEc grade 3 (50,000 – 25,000/mm3) Common Common Any CTCAEc grade Very common Very common Neutropeniab     CTCAEc grade 4 (<500/mm3) Common - CTCAEc grade 3 (<1,000 – 500/mm3) Common - Any CTCAEc grade Very common - Bleeding (any bleeding including intracranial, and gastrointestinal bleeding, bruising and other bleeding) Very common Very common Intracranial bleeding Common - Gastrointestinal bleeding Common - Bruising Very common Very common Other bleeding (including epistaxis, post-procedural haemorrhage and haematuria) Common Very common Metabolism and nutrition disorders     Weight gaina Very common Common Hypercholesterolaemiab CTCAEc grade 1 and 2 Very common Very common Hypertriglyceridaemiab CTCAEc grade 1 - Very common Nervous system disorders     Dizzinessa Very common Very common Headachea Very common - Gastrointestinal disorders     Flatulencea Common - Constipationa - Common Hepatobiliary disorders     Raised alanine aminotransferaseb     CTCAEc grade 3 (> 5x – 20 x ULN) Common Uncommon Any CTCAEc grade Very common Very common Raised aspartate aminotransferaseb     Any CTCAEc grade Very common Very common Vascular disorders     Hypertensiona - Very common a Frequency is based on adverse event data. - A subject with multiple occurrence of an adverse drug reaction (ADR) is counted only once in that ADR category. - ADRs reported are on treatment or up to 28 days post treatment end date. b Frequency is based on laboratory values. - A subject with multiple occurrences of an ADR is counted only once in that ADR category. - ADRs reported are on treatment or up to 28 days post treatment end date. c Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 3.0; grade 1 = mild, grade 2 = moderate, grade 3 = severe, grade 4 = life-threatening d These ADRs are discussed in the text. e Frequency is based on all patients exposed to ruxolitinib in clinical studies (N=4755) Upon discontinuation, MF patients may experience a return of MF symptoms such as fatigue, bone pain, fever, pruritus, night sweats, symptomatic splenomegaly and weight loss. In clinical studies in MF the total symptom score for MF symptoms gradually returned to baseline value within 7 days after dose discontinuation (see section 4.4). Description of selected adverse drug reactions Anaemia In phase 3 clinical studies in MF, median time to onset of first CTCAE grade 2 or higher anaemia was 1.5 months. One patient (0.3%) discontinued treatment because of anaemia. In patients receiving Jakavi mean decreases in haemoglobin reached a nadir of approximately 10 g/litre below baseline after 8 to 12 weeks of therapy and then gradually recovered to reach a new steady state that was approximately 5 g/litre below baseline. This pattern was observed in patients regardless of whether they had received transfusion during therapy. In the randomised, placebo-controlled study COMFORT-I 60.6% of Jakavi-treated MF patients and 37.7% of placebo-treated MF patients received red blood cell transfusions during randomised treatment. In the COMFORT-II study the rate of packed red blood cell transfusions was 53.4% in the Jakavi arm and 41.1% in the best available therapy arm. In the randomised period of the pivotal studies, anaemia was less frequent in PV patients than in MF patients (43.6% versus 82.4%). In the PV population, the CTCAE grade 3 and 4 events were reported in 1.8%, while in the MF patients the frequency was 42.56%. Thrombocytopenia In the phase 3 clinical studies in MF, in patients who developed grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia, the median time to onset was approximately 8 weeks. Thrombocytopenia was generally reversible with dose reduction or dose interruption. The median time to recovery of platelet counts above 50,000/mm3 was 14 days. During the randomised period, platelet transfusions were administered to 4.7% of patients receiving Jakavi and to 4.0% of patients receiving control regimens. Discontinuation of treatment because of thrombocytopenia occurred in 0.7% of patients receiving Jakavi and 0.9% of patients receiving control regimens. Patients with a platelet count of 100,000/mm3 to 200,000/mm3 before starting Jakavi had a higher frequency of grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia compared to patients with platelet count >200,000/mm3 (64.2% versus 38.5%). In the randomised period of the pivotal studies, the rate of patients experiencing thrombocytopenia was lower in PV (24.5%) patients compared to MF (69.8%) patients. The frequency of severe (i.e. CTCAE grade 3 and 4) thrombocytopenia was lower in PV (5.5%) than in MF (11.6%) patients. Neutropenia In the phase 3 clinical studies in MF, in patients who developed grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, the median time to onset was 12 weeks. During the randomised period, dose holding or reductions due to neutropenia were reported in 1.0% of patients, and 0.3% of patients discontinued treatment because of neutropenia. In the randomised period of the pivotal study in PV patients, neutropenia was reported in two patients (1.8%) of which one patient developed CTCAE grade 4 neutropenia. Bleeding In the phase 3 pivotal studies in MF bleeding events (including intracranial and gastrointestinal, bruising and other bleeding events) were reported in 32.6% of patients exposed to Jakavi and 23.2% of patients exposed to the reference treatments (placebo or best available therapy). The frequency of grade 3-4 events was similar for patients treated with Jakavi or reference treatments (4.7% versus 3.1%). Most of the patients with bleeding events during the treatment reported bruising (65.3%). Bruising events were more frequently reported in patients taking Jakavi compared with the reference treatments (21.3% versus 11.6%). Intracranial bleeding was reported in 1% of patients exposed to Jakavi and 0.9% exposed to reference treatments. Gastrointestinal bleeding was reported in 5.0% of patients exposed to Jakavi compared to 3.1% exposed to reference treatments. Other bleeding events (including events such as epistaxis, post-procedural haemorrhage and haematuria) were reported in 13.3% of patients treated with Jakavi and 10.3% treated with reference treatments. In the randomised period of the pivotal study in PV patients, bleeding events (including intracranial and gastrointestinal, bruising and other bleeding events) were reported in 20% of patients treated with Jakavi and 15.3% patients receiving best available therapy. Bruising was reported in similar frequencies in Jakavi and BAT arms (10.9% versus 8.1%). No intracranial bleeding or gastrointestinal haemorrhage events were reported in patients receiving Jakavi. One patient treated with Jakavi experienced a grade 3 bleeding event (post-procedural bleeding); no grade 4 bleeding was reported. Other bleeding events (including events such as epistaxis, post-procedural haemorrhage, gingival bleeding) were reported in 11.8% of patients treated with Jakavi and 6.3% treated with best available therapy. Infections In the phase 3 pivotal studies in MF, grade 3 or 4 urinary tract infection was reported in 1.0% of patients, herpes zoster in 4.3% and tuberculosis in 1.0%. In phase 3 clinical studies sepsis was reported in 3.0% of patients. An extended follow-up of patients treated with ruxolitinib showed no trends towards an increase in the rate of sepsis over time. In the randomised period of the pivotal study in PV patients, one (0.9%) CTCAE grade 3 and no grade 4 urinary tract infection was reported. The rate of herpes zoster was slightly higher in PV (6.4%) patients than in MF (4.0%) patients. There was one report of CTCAE grade 3 post-herpetic neuralgia amongst the PV patients. Increased systolic blood pressure In the phase 3 pivotal clinical studies in MF an increase in systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg or more from baseline was recorded in 31.5% of patients on at least one visit compared with 19.5% of the control-treated patients. In COMFORT-I (MF patients) the mean increase from baseline in systolic BP was 0-2 mmHg on Jakavi versus a decrease of 2-5 mmHg in the placebo arm. In COMFORT-II mean values showed little difference between the ruxolitinib-treated and the control-treated MF patients. In the randomised period of the pivotal study in PV patients, the mean systolic blood pressure increased by 0.65 mmHg in the Jakavi arm versus a decrease of 2 mmHg in the BAT arm. Reporting of suspected adverse reactions Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. 4.9 Overdose There is no known antidote for overdoses with Jakavi. Single doses up to 200 mg have been given with acceptable acute tolerability. Higher than recommended repeat doses are associated with increased myelosuppression including leukopenia, anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Appropriate supportive treatment should be given. Haemodialysis is not expected to enhance the elimination of ruxolitinib. 5. Pharmacological properties 5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antineoplastic agents, protein kinase inhibitors, ATC code: L01XE18 Mechanism of action Ruxolitinib is a selective inhibitor of the Janus Associated Kinases (JAKs) JAK1 and JAK2 (IC50 values of 3.3 nM and 2.8 nM for JAK1 and JAK2 enzymes, respectively). These mediate the signalling of a number of cytokines and growth factors that are important for haematopoiesis and immune function. Myelofibrosis and polycythaemia vera are myeloproliferative neoplasms known to be associated with dysregulated JAK1 and JAK2 signalling. The basis for the dysregulation is believed to include high levels of circulating cytokines that activate the JAK-STAT pathway, gain-of-function mutations such as JAK2V617F, and silencing of negative regulatory mechanisms. MF patients exhibit dysregulated JAK signalling regardless of JAK2V617F mutation status. Activating mutations in JAK2 (V617F or exon 12) are found in >95% of PV patients. Ruxolitinib inhibits JAK-STAT signalling and cell proliferation of cytokine-dependent cellular models of haematological malignancies, as well as of Ba/F3 cells rendered cytokine-independent by expressing the JAK2V617F mutated protein, with IC50 ranging from 80-320 nM. Pharmacodynamic effects Ruxolitinib inhibits cytokine-induced STAT3 phosphorylation in whole blood from healthy subjects, MF patients and PV patients. Ruxolitinib resulted in maximal inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation 2 hours after dosing which returned to near baseline by 8 hours in both healthy subjects and MF patients, indicating no accumulation of either parent or active metabolites. Baseline elevations in inflammatory markers associated with constitutional symptoms such as TNFα, IL-6 and CRP in subjects with MF were decreased following treatment with ruxolitinib. MF patients did not become refractory to the pharmacodynamic effects of ruxolitinib treatment over time. Similarly, patients with PV also presented with baseline elevations in inflammatory markers and these markers were decreased following treatment with ruxolitinib. In a thorough QT study in healthy subjects, there was no indication of a QT/QTc prolonging effect of ruxolitinib in single doses up to a supratherapeutic dose of 200 mg, indicating that ruxolitinib has no effect on cardiac repolarisation. Clinical efficacy and safety Myelofibrosis Two randomised phase 3 studies (COMFORT-I and COMFORT-II) were conducted in patients with MF (primary myelofibrosis, post-polycythaemia vera myelofibrosis or post-essential thrombocythaemia myelofibrosis). In both studies, patients had palpable splenomegaly at least 5 cm below the costal margin and risk category of intermediate-2 or high risk based on the International Working Group (IWG) Consensus Criteria. The starting dose of Jakavi was based on platelet count. COMFORT-I was a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study in 309 patients who were refractory to or were not candidates for available therapy. The primary efficacy endpoint was proportion of subjects achieving ≥35% reduction from baseline in spleen volume at week 24 as measured by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT). Secondary endpoints included duration of maintenance of a ≥35% reduction from baseline in spleen volume, proportion of patients who had ≥50% reduction in total symptom score, changes in total symptom scores from baseline to week 24, as measured by the modified Myelofibrosis Symptom Assessment Form (MFSAF) v2.0 diary, and overall survival. COMFORT-II was an open-label, randomised study in 219 patients. Patients were randomised 2:1 to Jakavi versus best available therapy. In the best available therapy arm, 47% of patients received hydroxyurea and 16% of patients received glucocorticoids. The primary efficacy endpoint was proportion of patients achieving ≥35% reduction from baseline in spleen volume at week 48 as measured by MRI or CT. Secondary endpoints included proportion of patients achieving a ≥35% reduction of spleen volume from baseline at week 24 and duration of maintenance of a ≥35% reduction from baseline spleen volume. In COMFORT-I and COMFORT-II, patient baseline demographics and disease characteristics were comparable between the treatment arms. Table 2 Percentage of patients with ≥35% reduction from baseline in spleen volume at week 24 in COMFORT-I and at week 48 in COMFORT-II (ITT) COMFORT-I COMFORT-II   Jakavi (N=155) Placebo (N=153) Jakavi (N=144) Best available therapy (N=72) Time points Week 24 Week 48 Number (%) of subjects with spleen volume reduced by ≥35% 65 (41.9) 1 (0.7) 41 (28.5) 0 95% confidence intervals 34.1, 50.1 0, 3.6 21.3, 36.6 0.0, 5.0 p-value <0.0001 <0.0001 A significantly higher proportion of patients in the Jakavi group achieved ≥35% reduction from baseline in spleen volume (Table 2) regardless of the presence or absence of the JAK2V617F mutation or the disease subtype (primary myelofibrosis, post-polycythaemia vera myelofibrosis, post-essential thrombocythaemia myelofibrosis). Table 3 Percentage of patients with ≥35% reduction from baseline in spleen volume by JAK mutation status (safety set) COMFORT-I COMFORT-II   Jakavi Placebo Jakavi Best available therapy JAK mutation status Positive (N=113) n (%) Negative (N=40) n (%) Positive (N=121) n (%) Negative (N=27) n (%) Positive (N=110) n (%) Negative (N=35) n (%) Positive (N=49) n (%) Negative (N=20) n (%) Number (%) of subjects with spleen volume reduced by ≥35% 54 (47.8) 11 (27.5) 1 (0.8) 0 36 (32.7) 5 (14.3) 0 0 Time point After 24 weeks After 48 weeks The probability of maintaining spleen response (≥35% reduction) on Jakavi for at least 24 weeks was 89% in COMFORT-I and 87% in COMFORT-II; 52% maintained spleen responses for at least 48 weeks in COMFORT-II. In COMFORT-I, 45.9% subjects in the Jakavi group achieved a ≥50% improvement from baseline in the week 24 total symptom score (measured using MFSAF diary v2.0), as compared to 5.3% in the placebo group (p<0.0001 using chi-square test). The mean change in the global health status at week 24, as measured by EORTC QLQ C30 was +12.3 for Jakavi and -3.4 for placebo (p<0.0001). In COMFORT-I, after a median follow-up of 34.3 months, the death rate in patients randomised to the ruxolitinib arm was 27.1% versus 35.1% in patients randomised to placebo; HR 0.687; 95% CI 0.459-1.029; p=0.0668. In COMFORT-II, after a median follow-up of 34.7 months, the death rate in patients randomised to ruxolitinib was 19.9% versus 30.1% in patients randomised to best available treatment (BAT); HR 0.48; 95% CI 0.28-0.85; p=0.009. In both studies, the lower death rates noted in the ruxolitinib arm were predominantly driven by the results obtained in the post polycythaemia vera and post essential thrombocythaemia subgroups. Polycythaemia vera A randomised, open-label, active-controlled phase 3 study (RESPONSE) was conducted in 222 patients with PV who were resistant to or intolerant of hydroxyurea defined based on the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) international working group published criteria. 110 patients were randomised to the ruxolitinib arm and 112 patients to the BAT arm. The starting dose of Jakavi was 10 mg twice daily. Doses were then adjusted in individual patients based on tolerability and efficacy with a maximum dose of 25 mg twice daily. BAT was selected by the investigator on a patient-by-patient basis and included hydroxyurea (59.5%), interferon/pegylated interferon (11.7%), anagrelide (7.2%), pipobroman (1.8%) and observation (15.3%). Baseline demographics and disease characteristics were comparable between the two treatments arms. The median age was 60 years (range 33 to 90 years). Patients in the ruxolitinib arm had PV diagnosis for a median of 8.2 years and had previously received hydroxyurea for a median of approximately 3 years. Most patients (>80%) had received at least two phlebotomies in the last 24 weeks prior to screening. Comparative data regarding long-term survival and incidence of disease complications is missing. The primary composite endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving both an absence of phlebotomy eligibility (HCT control) and a ≥35% reduction in spleen volume from baseline at week 32. Phlebotomy eligibility was defined as a confirmed HCT of >45%, i.e. at least 3 percentage points higher than the HCT obtained at baseline or a confirmed HCT of >48%, depending on which was lower. Key secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients who achieved the primary endpoint and remained free from progression at week 48, as well as the proportion of patients achieving complete haematological remission at week 32. The study met its primary objective and a higher proportion of patients in the Jakavi group achieved the primary composite endpoint and each of its individual components. Significantly more patients treated with Jakavi (20.9%) achieved a primary response (p<0.0001) compared to BAT (0.9%). Haematocrit control was achieved in 60% of patients in the Jakavi arm compared to 19.6% in the BAT arm and a ≥35% reduction in spleen volume was achieved in 38.2% of patients in the Jakavi arm compared to 0.9% in the BAT arm (Figure 1). 94 (83.9%) patients randomised to the BAT arm crossed over to ruxolitinib treatment at Week 32 or after, limiting the comparison between the two arms after Week 32. Both key secondary endpoints were also met. The proportion of patients achieving a complete haematological remission was 23.6% on Jakavi compared to 8.9% on BAT (p=0.0028) and the proportion of patients achieving a durable primary response at week 48 was 19.1% on Jakavi and 0.9% on BAT.(p<0.0001). Figure 1 Patients achieving the primary endpoint and components of the primary endpoint at week 32 Symptom burden was assessed using the MPN-SAF total symptom score (TSS) electronic patient diary, which consisted of 14 questions. At week 32, 49% and 64% of patients treated with ruxolitinib achieved a ≥50% reduction in TSS-14 and TSS-5, respectively, compared to only 5% and 11% of patients on BAT. Treatment benefit perception was measured by the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) questionnaire. 66% of patients treated with ruxolitinib compared to 19% treated with BAT reported an improvement as early as four weeks after beginning treatment. Improvement in perception of treatment benefit was also higher in patients treated with ruxolitinib at week 32 (78% versus 33%). Paediatric population The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with Jakavi in all subsets of the paediatric population for the treatment of MF (see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use). 5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties Absorption Ruxolitinib is a Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) class 1 compound, with high permeability, high solubility and rapid dissolution characteristics. In clinical studies, ruxolitinib is rapidly absorbed after oral administration with maximal plasma concentration (Cmax) achieved approximately 1 hour post-dose. Based on a human mass balance study, oral absorption of ruxolitinib, as ruxolitinib or metabolites formed under first-pass, is 95% or greater. Mean ruxolitinib Cmax and total exposure (AUC) increased proportionally over a single dose range of 5-200 mg. There was no clinically relevant change in the pharmacokinetics of ruxolitinib upon administration with a high-fat meal. The mean Cmax was moderately decreased (24%) while the mean AUC was nearly unchanged (4% increase) on dosing with a high-fat meal. Distribution The mean volume of distribution at steady state is approximately 75 litres in MF and PV patients. At clinically relevant concentrations of ruxolitinib, binding to plasma proteins in vitro is approximately 97%, mostly to albumin. A whole body autoradiography study in rats has shown that ruxolitinib does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Biotransformation Ruxolitinib is mainly metabolised by CYP3A4 (>50%), with additional contribution from CYP2C9. Parent compound is the predominant entity in human plasma, representing approximately 60% of the drug-related material in circulation. Two major and active metabolites are present in plasma representing 25% and 11% of parent AUC. These metabolites have one half to one fifth of the parent JAK-related pharmacological activity. The sum total of all active metabolites contributes to 18% of the overall pharmacodynamics of ruxolitinib. At clinically relevant concentrations, ruxolitinib does not inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 and is not a potent inducer of CYP1A2, CYP2B6 or CYP3A4 based on in vitro studies. In vitro data indicate that ruxolitinib may inhibit P-gp and BCRP. Elimination Ruxolitinib is mainly eliminated through metabolism. The mean elimination half-life of ruxolitinib is approximately 3 hours. Following a single oral dose of [14C]-labelled ruxolitinib in healthy adult subjects, elimination was predominately through metabolism, with 74% of radioactivity excreted in urine and 22% via faeces. Unchanged parent substance accounted for less than 1% of the excreted total radioactivity. Linearity/non-linearity Dose proportionality was demonstrated in the single and multiple dose studies. Special populations Effects of age, gender or race Based on studies in healthy subjects, no relevant differences in ruxolitinib pharmacokinetics were observed with regard to gender and race. In a population pharmacokinetic evaluation in MF patients, no relationship was apparent between oral clearance and patient age or race. The predicted oral clearance was 17.7 l/h in women and 22.1 l/h in men, with 39% inter-subject variability in MF patients. Clearance was 12.7 l/h in PV patients, with a 42% inter-subject variability and no relationship was apparent between oral clearance and gender, patient age or race, based on a population pharmacokinetic evaluation in PV patients. Paediatric population The safety and effectiveness of Jakavi in paediatric patients have not been established (see section 5.1, “Paediatric population”). Renal impairment Renal function was determined using both Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and urinary creatinine. Following a single ruxolitinib dose of 25 mg, the exposure of ruxolitinib was similar in subjects with various degrees of renal impairment and in those with normal renal function. However, plasma AUC values of ruxolitinib metabolites tended to increase with increasing severity of renal impairment, and were most markedly increased in the subjects with severe renal impairment. It is unknown whether the increased metabolite exposure is of safety concern. A dose modification is recommended in patients with severe renal impairment and end-stage renal disease (see section 4.2). Dosing only on dialysis days reduces the metabolite exposure, but also the pharmacodynamic effect, especially on the days between dialysis. Hepatic impairment Following a single ruxolitinib dose of 25 mg in patients with varying degrees of hepatic impairment, the mean AUC for ruxolitinib was increased in patients with mild, moderate and severe hepatic impairment by 87%, 28% and 65%, respectively, compared to patients with normal hepatic function. There was no clear relationship between AUC and the degree of hepatic impairment based on Child-Pugh scores. The terminal elimination half-life was prolonged in patients with hepatic impairment compared to healthy controls (4.1-5.0 hours versus 2.8 hours). A dose reduction of approximately 50% is recommended for patients with hepatic impairment (see section 4.2). 5.3 Preclinical safety data Ruxolitinib has been evaluated in safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity and reproductive toxicity studies and in a carcinogenicity study. Target organs associated with the pharmacological action of ruxolitinib in repeated dose studies include bone marrow, peripheral blood and lymphoid tissues. Infections generally associated with immunosuppression were noted in dogs. Adverse decreases in blood pressure along with increases in heart rate were noted in a dog telemetry study, and an adverse decrease in minute volume was noted in a respiratory study in rats. The margins (based on unbound Cmax) at the non-adverse level in the dog and rat studies were 15.7-fold and 10.4-fold greater, respectively, than the maximum human recommended dose of 25 mg twice daily. No effects were noted in an evaluation of the neuropharmacological effects of ruxolitinib. Ruxolitinib decreased foetal weight and increased post-implantation loss in animal studies. There was no evidence of a teratogenic effect in rats and rabbits. However, the exposure margins compared to the highest clinical dose were low and the results are therefore of limited relevance for humans. No effects were noted on fertility. In a pre- and post-natal development study, a slightly prolonged gestation period, reduced number of implantation sites, and reduced number of pups delivered were observed. In the pups, decreased mean initial body weights and short period of decreased mean body weight gain were observed. In lactating rats, ruxolitinib and/or its metabolites were excreted into the milk with a concentration that was 13-fold higher than the maternal plasma concentration. Ruxolitinib was not mutagenic or clastogenic. Ruxolitinib was not carcinogenic in the Tg.rasH2 transgenic mouse model. 6. Pharmaceutical particulars 6.1 List of excipients Cellulose, microcrystalline Magnesium stearate Silica, colloidal anhydrous Sodium starch glycolate (Type A) Povidone Hydroxypropylcellulose Lactose monohydrate 6.2 Incompatibilities Not applicable. 6.3 Shelf life Blisters 2 years Bottles 2 years After first-opening: 1 month 6.4 Special precautions for storage Do not store above 30°C. 6.5 Nature and contents of container PVC/PCTFE/Aluminium blister packs containing 14 or 56 tablets or multipacks containing 168 (3 packs of 56) tablets. HDPE bottle with induction seal and child-resistant closure containing 60 tablets. Not all pack sizes or types may be marketed. 6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling No special requirements. 7. Marketing authorisation holder Novartis Europharm Limited Frimley Business Park Camberley GU16 7SR United Kingdom 8. Marketing authorisation number(s) EU/1/12/773/001 Jakavi 5 mg EU/1/12/773/004 Jakavi 5 mg EU/1/12/773/005 Jakavi 5 mg EU/1/12/773/006 Jakavi 5 mg EU/1/12/773/002 Jakavi 15 mg EU/1/12/773/007 Jakavi 15 mg EU/1/12/773/008 Jakavi 15 mg EU/1/12/773/009 Jakavi 15 mg EU/1/12/773/003 Jakavi 20 mg EU/1/12/773/010 Jakavi 20 mg EU/1/12/773/011 Jakavi 20 mg EU/1/12/773/012 Jakavi 20 mg EU/1/12/773/013 Jakavi 10 mg EU/1/12/773/014 Jakavi 10 mg EU/1/12/773/015 Jakavi 10 mg EU/1/12/773/016 Jakavi 10 mg 9. Date of first authorisation/renewal of the authorisation 23 August 2012 10. Date of revision of the text 23 April 2015 Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu